Liverpool still expect Real Madrid to win the race for Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni this summer.
The Reds had identified the France international as a potential summer transfer target after assessing the makeup of their midfield department for the long term under Jurgen Klopp, who is now contracted at Anfield until 2026.
With the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara all in their 30s, club insiders have been looking at the possibility of a marquee midfield addition at some stage over the next 12 months or so.
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Reports in France after Sunday's 3-1 win against Wolves claimed that Tchouameni had agreed terms with both Liverpool and their fellow Champions League finalists Real following the close of play in the Premier League.
However, club sources insist the Reds have been informed by the player's representatives that he is joining the La Liga champions later this summer.
Tchouameni is currently represented by French agency Excellence Sports Nation and it is understood that ESN have informed Liverpool 's recruitment team that their client wants to sign for the 13-time European Cup winners later this year.
The Reds aren't expecting any midfielders to move on this summer and are hopeful of retaining Milner for an extra year, despite the dwindling days on his contract at Anfield.
Tchouameni made 35 appearances for Monaco in Ligue 1 this season and has established a reputation as one of the emerging midfielders in Europe having been capped by world champions France eight times since making his debut in 2021.
At 22, the dynamic midfielder fits the profile of what Liverpool are looking at for the long term, but the club have accepted that Tchouameni is likely destined for Madrid as Los Blancos look to strengthen their own ranks this summer.
